NCAA looks at new plan to pay stipends for its athletes

BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — The NCAA says playing college sports is a full time job and is proposing a stipend that would allow colleges to pay more for those who participate.

The stipend would cover everything besides tuition, books and fees. College athletes play a huge part in schools receiving millions for televised games and now the NCAA believes it’s about time to give some back to the players.

However, some former athletes and sports fans say they shouldn't get extra money until they make it big.

"Collegiate athletes shouldn't be paid ‘cause they are still considered amateur athletes,” Cody LeBlanc, Baton Rouge native, said. “Even the athletes that go to the Olympics and are very well know have to have a second job, another means of income other than directly from the Olympics."

"I played college football myself,” Karon Williams, Baton Rouge resident, added. “It’s a full time job, so that’s why I say they should get an increase in their scholarships, maybe, but if you go ahead an just give them a big fat check there’s no telling what they will be able to do."

In October 2011 the NCAA approved a rule change that would give colleges the option to give athletes a $2,000 stipend, but many schools objected the policy.

We want to know what you think. Do you think college atheltes should be allowed more money?